Essential Oil Database

Photo: Cedrus Atlantica

Cedarwood

Essential Oil

Botanical Name:

Cedrus Atlantica

Family Name:

Pinaceae

Source Country:

Morocco

Plant Parts Used:

Wood

Extraction Method:

Steam distillation

Major Constituents:

Cedrene, caryophyllene, cadinene, himachalene, atlantol, cedrol, cedrenol, atlantones

Botanical Description

Photo: Cedrus Atlantica

Cedrus Atlantica is native to the Atlas mountains of Morocco and Algeria. It is a coniferous evergreen tree commonly known as Atlas Cedar growing up to 40 meters tall. The needle like blue-green leaves are up to 25 mm long, spiralling woody shoots. The leaves are protected by a waxy layer, and both the leaves and wood are highly aromatic.

Atlas Cedar wood is decay resistant and a valuable source of building timber.

Cedarwood oil has traditionally been used as a perfumery scent, preservative and as an incense.

Photo: Cedrus Atlantica

Fragrance

Cedarwood essential oil has a smokey aroma reminiscent of camphor and sweet balsam.

Cedarwood essential oil is a pale yellow liquid

Cedarwood blends well with bergamot, cinnamon, clary sage, cypress, frankincense, ginger, jasmine, juniper, neroli, patchouli, rosemary, rosewood, vetiver and ylang ylang.

Traditional Therapeutic Uses

Photo: Cedrus Atlantica

Properties: antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, diuretic, expectorant, fungicidal, sedative, stimulant.

Aids: seborrhoea, lymph circulation, immune system, glandular system

Alleviates: acne, arthritis, anxiety, bronchitis, cystitis, fungal infection, oily skin, rheumatism, stress.

Cedarwood essential oil is an aid to meditation and an efficient aphrodisiac.

Safety Data

Avoid use if pregnant.

Use moderately within normal therapeutic guidelines to avoid irritation.

Disclaimer:

All healing uses, magical uses and metaphysical definitions are provided as a means of education, do not imply a guarantee of effect, and may not be complete or accurate. Those suffering from illness should consult with their General Practitioner in the first instance. Aromatherapy is a holistic complementary healthcare practice and should be carried out by a suitably qualified aromatherapy practitioner.

Pure, medical grade, essential oils & absolutes are for use in aromatherapy and other disciplines of natural healing; and for their fragrance. Essential oils should not be ingested, and avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Pregnant women should not self administer essential oils. Do not administer essential oils to babies. Do not apply undiluted essential oil to the skin and wash hands after use and before visiting lavatory. Do not use essential oils while in a sauna, steam room, or other humid environment; or while engaged in strenuous exercise.

Massage oil should consist of no more than 3% essential oil(s) to 97% carrier or fixed oil. Absolutes should be blended with no less than 98.5% carrier oil. When adding essential oil to bath water do not use more than 4 drops.

Store essential oils at low room temperature, in a dark place, out of the reach of children, pets and away from foodstuffs.